SP Flash Tool (Smart Phone Flash Tool)
Free Download – Windows & Linux

SP Flash Tool — short for Smart Phone Flash Tool — is a free, open-source application developed and officially distributed by MediaTek Inc. It is designed for flashing firmware, stock ROMs, custom ROMs, and recovery images onto Android smartphones and tablets that use MediaTek (MTK) chipsets. SP Flash Tool does not work with Qualcomm (Snapdragon), Samsung Exynos, or Unisoc (SPD/SPRD) devices — those require different tools.

SP Flash Tool reads a scatter file that maps how firmware partitions are organized in flash memory, then writes image files directly to those addresses over USB. This low-level access recovers devices that are completely unresponsive — stuck in a bootloop, blank screen, or not turning on — because it communicates with MediaTek hardware before Android loads.

Two major active versions exist: SP Flash Tool v5 (works with .txt scatter files) and SP Flash Tool v6 (uses .xml scatter files). Always match the version to your firmware's scatter format. It is a portable application — no installation required. Extract the ZIP and run flash_tool.exe on Windows or the equivalent binary on Linux.

Full credit goes to MediaTek Inc., who creates and releases this tool. FlashTool.org provides an organized free download hub for all versions with guides and driver resources.

Before You Start – Requirements

You need three things: (1) the correct stock ROM or firmware package for your exact MTK device model, (2) the scatter file bundled inside that firmware ZIP, and (3) the MediaTek VCOM USB driver installed on your Windows PC. Without the USB driver, SP Flash Tool cannot detect your device.

Flashing TXT Scatter Firmware (SP Flash Tool v3 to v5)

Use SP Flash Tool v5 for firmware packages that contain a MT####_Android_scatter.txt scatter file.

1. Install the MTK USB driver — Download and install the MediaTek VCOM USB driver on your Windows PC.
2. Download and extract SP Flash Tool v5 — Extract the ZIP to a folder on your desktop. No installation needed.
3. Open flash_tool.exe — Double-click to launch the tool directly.
4. Load the scatter file — Click the Scatter-Loading button, navigate to your extracted firmware folder, and select the MT####_Android_scatter.txt file. SP Flash Tool lists all detected partitions.
5. Untick Preloader — After partitions load, uncheck the Preloader option. Flashing preloader incorrectly can brick the device permanently.
6. Choose flash mode — Select Download Only to preserve user data, or Format All + Download for a full clean flash (erases everything).
7. Click Download, then connect the device — Click Download, power off the device completely, then connect via USB. SP Flash Tool detects it automatically and begins flashing.
8. Wait for the green checkmark — A green tick or "Download OK" dialog confirms success. Disconnect and power on. First boot may take a few extra minutes.

Flashing XML Scatter Firmware (SP Flash Tool v6)

Use SP Flash Tool v6 for firmware packages containing an MT####_Android_scatter.xml file. The process is identical to above — the only difference is selecting the .xml scatter file instead of the .txt one.

What is the difference between SP Flash Tool v5 and v6?
SP Flash Tool v3 to v5 is for firmware using a .txt-based scatter file. SP Flash Tool v6 is for firmware using the newer .xml-based scatter file. Open your firmware folder — if the scatter file ends in .txt, use v5; if .xml, use v6.

Should I untick Preloader before flashing?
Yes — always untick the Preloader partition before starting the flash. Flashing preloader.bin with the wrong file can brick your device in a way that requires special equipment to recover from.

Why does SP Flash Tool show a BROM Error?
BROM Error means SP Flash Tool cannot connect to the MediaTek bootloader. Common causes: the MTK VCOM USB driver is not installed or broken, you are using a charge-only USB cable, or the USB port is faulty. Reinstall the MTK USB-driver, try a different cable and USB port.

Does SP Flash Tool work on Qualcomm or Samsung devices?
No — MediaTek chipsets only. For Qualcomm devices use QPST Flash-Tool. For Samsung Exynos use Odin. For Unisoc/SPD devices use SPD Flash-Tool.

Does flashing with SP Flash Tool delete all my data?
Download Only without selecting the userdata partition generally preserves personal data. Format All + Download wipes everything. Back up your data regardless of which mode you use.

Does SP Flash Tool need an internet connection?
No. After downloading and extracting, SP Flash Tool runs completely offline. You only need internet to download the tool and firmware package beforehand.

Is SP Flash Tool safe for my PC?
Yes. It is an open-source application officially released by MediaTek Inc. It does not modify your PC and does not require installation. Widely used by repair technicians, OEM engineers, and Android developers worldwide.

Is there an alternative to SP Flash Tool for MediaTek devices?
SP MDT Tool (SmartPhone Multiport Download Tool) is another official MediaTek flashing utility made by MediaTek Inc., supporting multi-device simultaneous flashing for OEM and professional environments. For single-device use, SP Flash Tool remains the standard choice.

Who created SP Flash Tool?
SP Flash Tool is created and officially distributed by MediaTek Inc. FlashTool.org organizes all versions with guides and driver resources, but all credit for the tool goes to MediaTek Inc.